Has anyone done the rear brakes on an '09 Liberty? I am wondering what kind of pistons the brakes have, are they the simple type that just push back in or the type that need to be spun and require the special tool?

I just tried to do my 2010 Liberty. The issue with my rear rotor replacement was the emergency brakes wouldnt release so i couldnt get the rotors off. I use my emergency brake once or twice a year just so they dont seize up. The issue is the inside of the rotors is about 3 inches deep. The emergency brake pads are only 2 inches wide and set inside the rotors. This leaves one inch of nothing but corrosion and traps the pads. I tried turning the adjuster from the back side (remove rubber graumet) but my adjuster wouldnt budge. This is a poor design. I beat on the rotor for 2 plus hours and had a giant gear puller. I heard the trick is taking it to a shop with a frame lift were your can put car in neutral and spin back axel as you hammer on rotors. I have done hundreds of brakes and this is the first one that i gave up on.

I just tried to do my 2010 Liberty. The issue with my rear rotor replacement was the emergency brakes wouldnt release so i couldnt get the rotors off. I use my emergency brake once or twice a year just so they dont seize up. The issue is the inside of the rotors is about 3 inches deep. The emergency brake pads are only 2 inches wide and set inside the rotors. This leaves one inch of nothing but corrosion and traps the pads. I tried turning the adjuster from the back side (remove rubber graumet) but my adjuster wouldnt budge. This is a poor design. I beat on the rotor for 2 plus hours and had a giant gear puller. I heard the trick is taking it to a shop with a frame lift were your can put car in neutral and spin back axel as you hammer on rotors. I have done hundreds of brakes and this is the first one that i gave up on.

This is what happened to me. Brought it to ashop and they had it done in minutes.

You got a better response to your thread then I did. I just did my wife's 09 and like others have said simple piston caliper easy to change the pads. No special tools just a c-clamp.

On another note anyone know how to adjust the parking brake? I can't seem to locate a cable tension adjustment like my YJ has. Thanks.

from the 2009 KK Factory Service Manual:

05 - Brakes/05 - Brakes, Base/Parking Brake/Adjustments
ADJUSTMENTS

NOTE: The parking brake is self-adjusting, it can not be adjusted.

Additional info:
1. Remove the center floor console (Refer to 23 - Body/Interior/CONSOLE, Floor - Removal) .
2. With lever in DOWN position, pull up on the core cable (4) rotating the drum (5) until the drum cut-out aligns with hole on lever tab (3), then install a punch (2) in this hole and drum cut-out. Release grasp on core cable.
3. The park brake system is now locked out to perform necessary repairs.

Should be an adjustment dial/star/wheel (whatever you wanna call it) behind the drum portion of the rear rotor - driverside IIRC.

on a 2010 if you want to adjust emergency brake you maybe best off to remove the drum/rear rotor. You can then easily see the adjuster for that emergency brake. You can also on the back side of the wheel hub is a rubber graumet. Remove it and shine a light inside the hole. you will see the adjuster. I dont know if tightening is a good idea. You need to loosen it to remove the rotor. You would need to do both sides. These should be self adjusting and not done manually, i would think.

Last edited by medinapool; 08-17-2013 at 05:50 PM.
Reason: added more info

REAR DRUM IN HAT PARK BRAKE (ROTOR INSTALLED) USING ADJUSTING TOOL
Adjustment can be made with a standard brake gauge or with adjusting tool . Adjustment is performed with the complete brake assembly installed on the backing plate.